Happy October!

In honor of the month that holds Halloween, here are some things that scare me:

Via Occasional Superheroine, this is nothing surprising, but always a good reminder: Celebrity photos, Photoshopped. (Go to the portfolio. Select a photo, and run your mouse over it. Click on the photo again to close it.) Our obsession with superficial perfection? Scary. (And I’m definitely guilty of it.)

The response to Kathleen Parker’s column about Sarah Palin. Like Palin or not … do e-mails like those Parker received really help anyone’s campaign, or anyone in general? It reminds me of rabid fans (not fans, which I heart and am one, but the rabid ones) who attack anyone that says something a little negative about their favorite series. And although the author might not have anything to do with the fans, and not condone the behavior, I’ve seen authors tainted by association. Let’s not taint our political leaders and parties the same way; they do a good enough job of it all by themselves. And trying to silence someone just because you disagree with them doesn’t solve anything.

Also, I promise not to get political — but it seems there are scary times ahead. Please, if you haven’t already, make sure that you’re registered to vote. Whichever way you lean, just make sure your voice is heard.

Over at Judge a Book By Its Cover, these pants.